Sun Sep 15 13:18:59 UTC 2024: ## MSU Students Rally for Democratic Engagement, Inspired by 2023 Shooting Tragedy

**East Lansing, MI** – In a passionate rally at the Graduate Hotel, Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, joined Michigan State University students to energize voter turnout ahead of the 2024 election. The event, held on the 10th floor with a panoramic view of the campus, served as a poignant reminder of the tragic shooting that shook the community last year and the subsequent student-led push for gun safety legislation.

“Students stood up, students marched…and we changed the laws to protect people,” said Democratic congressional candidate Curtis Hertel, reflecting on the student activism that followed the February 13, 2023 shooting, which killed three students and injured five more. He lauded the passage of legislation requiring safe storage of firearms, implementing universal background checks, and allowing extreme risk protection orders.

Walz echoed Hertel’s message, emphasizing the importance of youth engagement in the democratic process. “I don’t think you can underestimate when young people get involved in the process,” he said, “It reinforces to everyone that the future can be brighter and that our democracy is strong.”

The rally saw a packed room of “Spartans for Harris Walz” signs, and attendees shared their reasons for voting, including protecting reproductive rights, preserving the American dream, and ensuring school safety.

Walz also praised his running mate, Vice President Kamala Harris, for her performance in the recent presidential debate, calling her “qualified” and contrasting her with Donald Trump’s “angry” demeanor. He condemned Trump’s running mate, J.D. Vance, for dismissing school shootings as “a fact of life,” saying students at MSU remember the names of the victims and are fighting for change.

The event highlighted the importance of voter engagement in Michigan, a state Walz called a “battleground” where close races are expected. He emphasized the need for voters to reject “divisive” rhetoric and embrace Midwestern values of kindness and community.

The rally concluded with Walz reiterating the importance of voting, reminding the students that their participation is a “manifestation” of their belief in democracy. He stressed that their voices matter and that they have the power to shape the future of the country.

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